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Home  News Latest Sivel sniffs out drugs at The Lobby
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Sivel sniffs out drugs at The Lobby |
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Wednesday, 18 June 2008 |
By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
Sivel, a drug-sniffing dog used by the U.S. Border Patrol scored a hit at The Lobby on Wednesday, finding some marijuana hidden in a potted plant.
It was all part of a demonstration put on by handler Spring Miller who had earlier placed a small amount of marijuana in the plant in order to show Chamber of Commerce folks how the dog works and operates.
This particular dog was born and trained in Holland and with Miller patrols the border between the Ports of Entry from St. Mary’s to Havre. She, for right now, is the only dog handler covering this area. Two more dogs will be coming in, in the near future Miller said.
Her partner is trained to sniff out and find Meth, hash, heroin, and cocaine. The dogs go through a training phase of three months and then have six more weeks with their handler. Miller said it cost about $40,000 to fully train the animals.
These dogs are not bite dogs, they are only trained to find smugglers trying to bring dope into the U.S. “It’s amazing where people will think of to hide drugs,” she said. “We try to stay one step ahead of them.”
She also noted that she loves working with dogs, “They are always ready to work.” Miller also assists local law enforcement agencies when asked.
In local reports, Stephanie Moerkerke said the Summer Reading Program at the library is full and that there are a number of new books patrons could check out.
Mack Simpson, CFO at the Pondera Medical Center reported that April and May were slow months at the hospital and “We are still looking for a family practice doctor.”
The recruiting service used by the PMC says it take about five months to place a doctor. The hospital has been actively looking for just over two months.
The search committee is still looking at CEO candidates and has three that will be coming in for interviews soon.
He also noted that the PMC owes Medicare $311,000. That amount was larger than anticipated but will be paid off so the PMC does not incur penalties and interest.
Mayor John Shevlin, in his report, noted, “It’s snowing outside, our pool is now known as a hot spring.”
He said that fixing up Front St. is the number one priority now and as soon as weather warms up, crews will begin working on it.
Joe and Bill Campbell were introduced. They are the new owners of the proposed restaurant, Joe’s Family Steak House.
They informed the Chamber gathering they are getting, “closer and closer to opening.” There is still remodeling up stairs to finish and a couple of family functions to attend before the doors open for business.
They will not have a full liquor license or a casino and plan on serving lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. Right now the Campbell’s are, “shooting for a mid-July opening of the steak house.”
Jayme Byrnes, CofC president, reminded everyone that the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus is coming to Conrad on July 9 with shows at 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Also, the public is invited to watch the Big Top go up at 10 a.m. on July 9 and then tour the tent and see the animals.
The Harlem Ambassadors basketball team will be in Conrad in October. Watch the I-O for more information as a date nears.
However, if you would like to put a team together to play them, contact Barbie Killion at the CofC, 271-7791.
The next regular meeting of the Chamber will be July 9 at the Pondera Gulf Club at noon.
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